1 million masks received at Kaleida Health

Submitted

Wed, Apr 1st 2020 09:35 am

Photos courtesy of Joe Cascio, Kaleida Health

Kaleida Health on Tuesday announced it has received its most recent planned shipment of protective face masks. Purchased from Foam Depot Inc., the 1 million surgical/procedural masks (pictured), are the types the hospital system is using with its “universal masking” guidelines. They are available for staff and visitors to use in all of our sites, including in hospitals, long-term care and home care.

“We continue to deliver on our promise to keep our workforce safe and healthy during this public health crisis,” said Jody Lomeo, president and CEO of Kaleida Health. “I know I have said this previously, but it is important to point this out again: hospital supply chain systems are slammed right now, forcing us to compete for supplies, especially personal protective equipment (PPE) on an international level. That said, our purchasing team has been relentless in their pursuits, and they are running down every vendor, supply lead and partner that we have for equipment, supplies and PPE. I cannot thank that team and all of those involved for their hard work on this important issue.”

Lomeo said Kaleida Health is following the state’s lead in “continuing to stockpile supplies in preparation for the apex of the curve.”

Masks, gloves, gowns and durable equipment (ventilators, beds, IV pumps) remain in high demand. Lomeo said the organization is working to acquire adequate supply for the upcoming surge. Depending on time of day and date of week, Kaleida Health remains at 2.0-3.0 weeks (not including masks) PPE available for its caregivers.

The N95 masks remain the biggest challenge for Kaleida Health and virtually every hospital system across the country. The purchasing and supply chain teams at Kaleida Health continue to work on tripling or quadrupling inventory over the next week or two.

Lomeo said, “Thanks to the incredible hard work, dedication and passion of our workforce, Kaleida Health continues to see and treat the majority of coronavirus cases in the community. In order for us to continue to be able to do that, we will work nonstop to ensure that our caregivers are safe and healthy. Our purchasing, procurement and supply chain efforts are laser-focused on our staff and their ability to take care of patients. A special note of gratitude goes out to all of those who have volunteered thus far to care for COVID-19 patients across the Kaleida Health system.”

Photos courtesy of Joe Cascio, Kaleida Health

Other Updates and Reminders From Kaleida Health

MEDICALLY SPEAKING VIDEO SERIES – As part of a special coronavirus edition of the organization’s “Medically Speaking” interviews, chief nursing officer at Oishei Children’s Hospital, Cassie Church, R.N., discusses safety for pregnant women in the community, breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor restrictions at the hospital, and the availability of virtual tours and birthing classes. See video here: https://www.kaleidahealth.org/medically-speaking/.

UNIVERSAL MASKING – Kaleida Health continues to take extra precautions to ensure the health and protection of its staff, patients and visitors, with the move to “universal masking.” The new mandate went into effect Wednesday. All physicians, nurses, support staff, vendors and visitors are now required to wear a procedural/surgical mask while within six feet of patients or other staff members.

AMBULATORY CLINICS – In an effort to continue safely delivering high-quality care to patients during the coronavirus pandemic, Kaleida Health’s more than 30 adult and pediatric outpatient clinics across Western New York remain open and have transitioned to offering telemedicine services via audio and/or video conferencing.

IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC – As a reminder, per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Erie County Health Department (ECDOH), if you think you have been exposed to COVID‑19 and/or if you develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your health care provider for medical advice. Do not come to the emergency department or hospital.

IF YOU GET SICK WITH A FEVER (100°F/38°C or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing:

First, call your health care provider and explain your symptoms.

Avoid contact with others. Stay home when you are sick.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Before seeking health care, call ahead to the facility and tell them your situation. They will give you instructions on how to access care without exposing other people to your illness.

For testing information, please call your health care provider. Do not call the hospital or come to the emergency department. Communications have been sent by the ECDOH to health care providers regarding testing guidelines. Health care providers will need to determine whether or not an individual needs to be tested. If the health care provider approves your testing, your provider (not the individual) will contact the ECDOH. Finally, the individual will be notified by the Erie County Department of Health if he or she came in contact with someone who tested positive in Erie County.